Some say that this whole Twitter thing is the next big deal in marketing your message to the world. Some others say it will be gone next week. Either way, a lot of foodies have transported their laptops into their kitchens and with them on their food adventures to keep their followers up to date with entertaining and valuable tidbits, in 140 characters or less. A blessing for use creative ADD types.

So here’s peeking into the foodie section of my Twitter rolodex:

@foodists

@eagranieyuh

@kickpleat

@figandcherry

@TheWineDiva

@glutenfreegirl

@veggievancouver

@Choc_n_Cheese

@foodbykristin

@TheEcoFoodie

@the_dining_diva

@Foodthought

@She_Loves_Wine

@LifeOnTheBlcny

@DigginFood

@suziefoodie

@nibbledish

@StillLifeWith

@TheBackyardChef

@zestycook

@gastronomer

@BakingandBooks

and then there’s me…@jconnellyphoto

The keys, as I’ve learned them (social media marketing expert I am not, for that see @thenextstagemag) are to be honest, have real conversations with your followers, and provide value and entertain with your tweets. Happy tweeting!

Welcome to our blog’s new digs ~ not bad, eh? Well we like it, and we also like that you can see so much more about us and what we do all in one place. You may prefer to still stick to just this blog page, which is totally fine; or you may decide to one day wander onto the portfolio page and see some other photos that haven’t been included in a blog post; or you may want to meander by the about page and learn about us. Well guess what? We want to learn about you too! So please, wherever you end up browsing now that everything is in the same place for you, please leave a comment on the blog page as we really appreciate knowing what our fans think, and what we can do better.

Cheers!

~ j

Our travels through the city’s food world for Urban Diner continued over the past 2 weeks capturing Vancouver’s bartenders and their cocktails. Some of the tasty drinks (yes, I had to sample a few) were brand new, only to be found on cocktail programs as of this week, while others are tried and true. My editor, Paul, titled the column “The Rebirth of Cocktail Cool” and these bartenders didn’t disappoint.

above (L to R): Nick Devine (Habit Lounge), Chris Brown (Beyond Restaurant), Lori Poppe (Voya in the Loden Hotel)

above (L to R): Steve da Cruz and Justin Tisdall (Gastropod), Jordan Moore (Yew in the Four Seasons Hotel), Jim Shelton (Sanafir)

Some of the shots are above; you can see more photos and Part 1 of the column on Urban Diner here, and Part 2 here. And if you feel so inclined after trying one of the yummy beverages featured, head down to the according bar (being sure to say hello to the cocktail’s creator) and leave a comment below the column to tell everyone about it!

Happy drinking!

~ j

I have never really got into video…one may think if the technicalities of still photography are understood, those of video should be simple to grasp, but I subscribe to the theme of sticking to what you know, so when I met Chad Galloway, video artist extraordinaire, I was thrilled.  He’s talented, easy going, and committed to his craft.  He describes himself as a a Vancouver based shooter/cutter who’s loving the sun this summer with a one year old and a brand new (to me) bike!

Our next photo-video-combo-shoot together will be a two-day project for Herder Winery & Vineyards, a fabulous wine made by an amazing down to earth couple who are truly passionate about what they do. More on that to come later.

For now, here is a little bit about Chad…

Is there a certain food or dish that reminds you of home?

You know, this is really going to sound trailer park but I love my Mom’s tuna casserole!  She’s going to kill me because she is an amazing talent in the kitchen and makes so many great things and this one calls for two cans of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom dumped into the pan!  But there’s just something so amazing about this dish that every time I have it I am 6 years old again, with my legs dangling off the chair.  It takes me to another world.  And it’s super delicious as well!

Is there one thing you can’t live without in your kitchen?

Yep, her name is Jenny!  Jenny is my partner of 4 years and she’s without a doubt the best thing in our kitchen.  She’s amazing and teaches me everything from how to reduce sauces and make delicious Mexican dishes.  It helps that she’s Mexican!  Right now she’s editing delicious food videos for a site called Rouxbe.com so she comes home from work inspired and whips up the most amazing pasta dish or creme
brule!  So yeah, everyone should have a Jenny in the kitchen!

What are you having for dinner tonight?

Tonight we’re having some friends over so I’ve been marinating some steaks in a simple but delicious soy sauce and honey garlic marinade. We’ll do them on the the grill with some potatoes and corn on the cob

for sides.  Fast easy and a great excuse to be outside drinking beer with friends!

Is there one food that gives you the heebie jeebies?

Well now that I’ve been living in Vancouver for a few years I don’t bat an eye at eel sushi or octopus soup anymore.  But I’d be hard pressed to sit in front of a plate of liver.  Even the name - liver.  It just sounds gross.